Open house days popular as ever
4 November 2010
The open house days of the FOM Institute for Plasma Physics in Nieuwegein were well visited this year. The students' open day on Thursday October 14th drew 315 visitors from 10 different high schools, technical schools and universities in the Netherlands. During the general open day on Sunday 24 October, over 800 people visited Rijnhuizen to be informed about the research and technical departments at the institute.
During the open house days, scientists and technicians explain the beautiful, interesting and useful things they investigate and create. Lectures inform the visitors about the energy source of the sun, lasers, plasmas and about how to create computer chips. The laboratory features diverse experimental setups where scientists talk about their research. The beautiful Rijnhuizen mansion and park, both a part of the institute, are opened to the public, with local history and botany experts giving talks.
Science expedition
During the general open house day, young visitors can take up a science expedition in the laboratory. Questions, riddles and experiments guide them through the work of the institute and explain about science and technology. This year's most favorite experiment was the laser labyrinth, where visitors needed to place mirrors in a maze to guide a laserbeam to the exit. The LEGO trebuchet built by the technical design group was also very popular. This miniature medieval siege weapon was used to show how very basic design choices can improve on the functioning of a complex machine.
More information
The open house days will be organised again in October 2011.
Scientists explain the workings of the sometimes enormous experimental setups during the open house days
Visitors of any age are welcome during the Sunday general open house day
A science expedition for young visitors guides them through the science and technology of Rijnhuizen